In 2013, Portugal opened a historic door: a citizenship law allowing descendants of the Sephardic exiles to obtain Portuguese citizenship — 500 years after the expulsion.
Background to the Law
In 1496, Manuel I of Portugal forced the Jews of Portugal to convert. This expulsion — and the earlier one from Spain in 1492 — dispersed Jewish communities from Europe for centuries. In 2013, after decades of public debate, Portugal decided to make a gesture of reconciliation.
What Does the Law Allow?
The Portuguese Citizenship Law (amendment of 2013, expanded in 2015 and 2022) allows descendants of Jews from Spain and Portugal to obtain Portuguese citizenship without renouncing existing citizenship (dual citizenship). This is full European Union citizenship.
Who Is Eligible?
- Descendants (in any generation) of Jews expelled from Spain (1492) or Portugal (1496–1497)
- Who can prove this through:
- A Sephardic family name recognized on the government list
- Language: Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) or Judeo-Portuguese speakers
- Family tradition: maintaining Sephardic customs
- Genealogical documents
- Connection to a Sephardic Jewish community
Application Process
- Community Certification — Obtain certification from the Jewish Community of Lisbon or Porto
- Application Submission — Submit to the Portuguese embassy in your country of residence
- Required Documents — Birth certificate, family tree, supporting documents
- Portuguese Language Test — Basic knowledge (A2 level)
- Citizenship Grant — Portuguese passport and full European citizenship
2022 Law Changes
In 2022, Portugal added an important restriction: the requirement for provable connection to Sephardic origin. The emphasis shifted from “Sephardic surname” to broader genealogical documentation.
Why Is This Important?
- Freedom of movement in 27 European Union countries
- Right to work and study in all EU countries
- Access to European healthcare and social security
- Security and stability for the family’s future
- Reconnection to roots and heritage
How We Help?
- Initial eligibility check — free of charge
- Genealogical research to locate supporting documents
- Connection with specialized lawyers in Portugal
- Assistance with preparing the file for the community
Contact us: info@aljp.pt